The Mitsubishi Pajero has come a long way since its launch in 1982. This is how I wanted to begin my story. But unfortunately I can’t, as the Mitsubishi Pajero hasn’t come a long way since its launch.
For a car that started out as an industry trendsetter boasting ground-breaking features such as a turbo diesel engine, a double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs up front, power steering and suspension seats, the Pajero has stagnated over the years, both aesthetically as well as technologically.
The current model, which was given a major facelift in 2006 and called the fourth generation, actually dates back to the third-gen model that came out in 1999. With the next iteration only expected in 2017, it’s been a nearly two-decade run without major updates for the Pajero.
But what keeps this old workhorse going strong is its legendary reputation for being one of the most capable off-road vehicles. In just its third attempt, a mildly tuned production Pajero won the Paris-Dakar rally in 1985, and never looked back.
To date, it’s the most successful vehicle in the history of the iconic endurance race. While it was already an adept off-roader in its first generation, it was the Super Select 4WD, introduced in the second-gen, that gave it that definitive edge over its rivals.
This four-wheel drive system gives you the flexibility to choose between part-time and full-time four-wheel by selecting from 2H (high-range rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range full-time four-wheel drive), 4HLc (high-range four-wheel drive with locked centre differential) and 4LLc (low-range four-wheel drive with locked centre differential). And the fact that this shift between axles can be done while on the move added to its charm.
The current generation Pajero is equipped with the same system, which means unlike many of its pretty and urban chic rivals, this SUV can actually get you out of most sticky off-road situations, as I realised while having fun on an off-road track last weekend. The 3.8-litre variant also adds a rear differential lock to this.
But for all this prowess, the Pajero’s ladder frame platform’s age comes through when driving on the road. The ride isn’t as refined or sophisticated as that of many modern crossovers in the same price range, although the seats are comfortable and supportive and the cabin offers more room than any of its competitors.
The 3.5-litre V6, despite decent output figures of 189bhp and 306Nm, feels sluggish. Mitsubishi also offers a more powerful 3.8-litre V6 in the top-of-the-range Pajero, but upgrading will take the price up to over Dh120,000, which is not worth paying for an outdated model.
However, the top models in both engine trims offer usual features you would expect from a car in this price range, including a Rockford Acoustic Design multimedia entertainment system, wood accents (although fake in this case), a sunroof, automatic climate control, ABS with EBD, cruise control, traction control and leather seats.
For the 2015 model, Mitsubishi has also given the Pajero a few mild cosmetic updates such as a new front bumper, HID headlamps along with LED daytime running lights, more chrome lining the radiator and a redesigned spare tyre cover at the back.
But the best thing about the Pajero is its starting price of Dh89,900 for the base 3.5-litre V6 version, which is hard to beat considering its impeccable off-road track record. There aren’t many real rivals for the Pajero in that segment, with old foes like Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer ditching their ladder frame platforms for monocoque ones, sacrificing their off-road talents.
The only vehicles that can match the Pajero in its cross-country abilities are the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, both of which are significantly pricier.
So, despite all its drawbacks, the Mitsubishi Pajero is your best bet if you are in search of an off-road capable SUV that can double up as a family hauler, and your budget is under Dh100,000.
